Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Brazil for Abuja after a successful two-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and Brazil. The presidential jet took off from BrasÃlia International Airport Air Force Base at 12:57 pm local time on Wednesday.
Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Brazil’s Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, and Ambassador Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s envoy to Nigeria, were present at the airport to bid farewell to the Nigerian leader. Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and other senior government officials also joined the farewell delegation. A guard of honour, led by Col. Cel Nicolas, was part of the brief departure ceremony.
During his visit, President Tinubu met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and senior officials, where they witnessed the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding covering aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology, and agriculture. These agreements are expected to deepen cooperation between both nations, particularly in areas critical to Nigeria’s development drive.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the visit marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations, with outcomes expected to deliver long-term economic benefits for Nigeria. Upon his return to Abuja, President Tinubu is expected to brief the Federal Executive Council on the outcomes of his trip and outline next steps in implementing the signed agreements.